Saturday with some "heroes..."

The entire Saturday was spent in Cavite with Kuya Ef, KB, Emman and other "heroes."

Along with some friends, we headed to the town of CNN Hero of the Year Efren Peñaflorida to observe and participate in his kariton movement.

We left Manila around 10AM and arrived in Cavite City before 1PM. I didn't notice the traffic because I slept all throughout. Hehe!

While looking for the office of Club 8586, we saw a camera crew following a guy pushing kariton. A number of other teenagers were with the guy. It wasn't difficult to know that where that kariton was going was where we were supposed to be headed.

At the headquarters of Club 8586, we met more “heroes.” Students, civilians, young and not-so-young who were all there to support the movement. While waiting for Kuya Ef to finish his interview, we were served a super wonderful lunch. Pan fried chicken breast fillet, corn and carrots, mangga't bagoong and my absolute favorite adobo.

Meanwhile, some of the youth volunteers prepared the kariton for the afternoon sessions. There are four karitons - play center, literacy, values education which doubles as a canteen, and the clinic.

It's impressive how the group utilizes the kariton. Who knew one kariton can easily be converted into a mobile classroom/clinic/canteen? Galing!

After our hearty lunch, we decided to see the kariton youth in action. We joined Kuya Ef and youth volunteers as they headed to the third site for the day - the cemetery.

We walked from the headquarters of Club 8586 to the cemetery. Upon arrival, there was already a small gathering of children. I dunno where the children came from. Residents of the cemetery perhaps?

For the next hour and a half, the kids attended sessions conducted by the volunteers. Some of the mausoleums served as the gathering place of the kids. It wasn't eerie at all since it was broad daylight.

After the sessions, we went back to Club 8586 for a get-together. We talked about possible volunteer opportunities. The recent rumors were mentioned but there’s really nothing to tell.

We left for Manila by 5. It was a good Saturday. I really hope I can spend more Saturdays doing volunteer work. And I really hope to see more Kuya Efs, Emmans and KBs.
:)